why is it illegal to have sex under a certain age?

Question

i heard in some places its called some type of rape, but if both partners agree... isn't that like defying the function of life itself?

hey people, i know its also a law, but i would like some more philosophical views on this topic as well.

omg, who ever said sex doesn't defy the functions of life must not be able to think. when i mean defy i mean as in to stop. and yes sex is a life function, it is how to replenish this of us who pass on to the next life. i mean, how can sex not define life?

Answer 1

"Defying the function of life itself"? That is a good one! Mark Twain quoted a character in "Tom Sawyer" as saying he (Tom) would be president one day, or hang. The same applies to you, I think.

Having sex is like driving a car. There is nothing immoral or wrong about sex itself--or driving a car--except that nobody should be doing either until he or she is old enough to accept the adult consequences of adult behaviour. Furthermore, you can't drive anyone's car--just your own that you have paid for. I'm not talking about hookers here either--I'm talking about a partner in whom you have made an emotional investment.

Answer 2

If you live in the U.S., keep in mind that a lot of things we've done have been based upon Christianity, so that may play a role, even if really tiny. Also, many people in many societies don't believe teens are mature enough to make that decision and especially not to handle the possible consequences. Finally, in many cultures, sex is for after marriage. Therefore, since legal marrying age is, I think, 16/17 with parental permission or 18, states probably thought "Why not put in a law that says sex is illegal until then?" The only for-sure way to know why is by asking your local government (or, at least, the most local government that put the law into place).

Answer 3

These kinds of laws vary from state to state, but any minor having sex with a non-minor is considered statuatory rape. These laws are put in place to protect children from pedophiles, and to protect teenagers from making decisions that lead to consequences that they probably aren't ready to handle. I just answered a question a few days ago for a 14-year-old girl who wants her (same age) boyfriend to get her pregnant! Most (sane) people know that there is no way anyone is ready to have a baby at 14, and these laws help to protect these kinds of girls from themselves. Whether you're 12, 14 or 17, these laws provide the same function. Most teenagers are physically incapable of thinking about the consequences of their actions, due to a part of the brain called the amygdala that controls emotional reactions. Teenagers are more likely to use irrational and emotional thought processes because of the way their brains are wired. Studies have shown that as teenagers grow into adults, the thought processes move into the frontal lobes rather than the amygdala, which is responsible for more rational, detached responses.
Teenagers are statistically more likely after engaging in sex to have unwanted pregnancies and/or Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Laws concerning statuatory rape are built upon and strengthened by the knowledge that teenagers can't always make decisions regarding birth control and STD prevention the same way that adults can.

Answer 4

It is statuatory rape. The reason is because children aren't able to decide what is best for themselves. Sometimes the law is unreasonable (should it be considered statutory "rape" for an 18 year old to have sex with a 17 year old? In some states it is!), but it is there to protect children from pedophiles.

Like someone else said, the age of concent is usually 16.

Answer 5

Well first off it's called statutory rape and it is a serious offense. The reason sex under a certain age is illigal is because the law says that a child can't mentally compisate the concequences or responsibility of sex. therfore it is also corruption of a minor. The court doesn't believe that someone under 17 is mentally capable of making the decision to have sex and therefore the other party is responsible for 'making' them. It's messed up because alot of times the underaher is the one calling the shots and leading the other person on/ but being under 17 is like being mentally retarded, you can't decide for yourself.

Answer 6

There is a reason for everything(almost). The responsibility that comes with under age sex is more overwhelming than any underage person can imaging. Even if you think you are prepared physically (ie, condoms, birth control), the emotional issues that come with it are beyond your comprehension. The reason that it is beyond your comprehension is because you have not comprehend all that life as to offer. Just think of this, how many people do you know of that are still with the first person(s) that they have been with. Like I tell mine, you are a child for only a little while, you are an adult for the rest of your life, enjoy your childhood while you can.......

Answer 7

It's not that it's illegal to have sex under a certain age, it's that if you are an adult, than you cannot engage in sex with someone under the age of 18. The theory is that although both parties might consent, the minor is not capable of making that decision yet, therefore called "statutory" rape.

Answer 8

It’s called “statutory rape.”
It’s when an adult has sex with a minor of a certain age. (age of consent varies by state.)

Here is an excerpt about the rational behind the law (from a Wiki article.)
Statutory rape laws are based on the concept that a young person may desire sexual intercourse but may lack the experience possessed by legal adults to make a mature decision as to whether or not to have sexual contact with a particular person. Thus, the law assumes, even if he or she willingly engages in sexual intercourse with a legal adult, his or her sex partner may well have used tactics of manipulation or deceit against which the younger person has not yet developed sufficient discernment or defense.
It’s a law to protect minors.

Answer 9

Age restrictions for sexual relationships is something that's really only been around for about 100 years in the United States. You can look back to a period when females in their early to mid teens were turned into housewives with their husbands many times doubling their age.

It's illegal because younger boys and girls can be very impressionable. This is something that not only protects girls, but boys as well. As we've seen in recent cases where school teachers have slept with their younger male students it's very much enforced on both sexes.

Mehde H: Please learn to spell, and grow up. Sexual relations is something very necessary, and beautiful. You'll understand that one day.

I believe their is a four year window as long as neither are over 21. For example a 20yo male can have sex with a 16yo girl with consent, and vice versa.

Answer 10

some places have an age limit on legal intercourse because they think that an older person will take advantage of a younger person and force or trick them into having intercourse and not understanding what it really is or what the act can do to them.....like pregnancy or the spread of aids or other S.T.D's.
The type of rape that you are talking about is statutory rape and that is a sex act between some one under 16 and someone over 18 or someone more than 5 years apart. (do not quoit I am not a lawyer)